Simmons met with prominent alumni and raised over $25,000. This money will be used to purchase a new blocking sled and white jerseys for the team this season.

"It was a really positive trip," Simmons said. "It's good to have progressive thinkers on the team. This is something Carmen Cummings-Martin introduced to me after commencement. The officials got on board with it. We understand the strength of our alumni base. I think this something we can do every year and have fun with it."

This was the first-ever venture for a FAMU coach of this magnitude outside of Florida.

Simmons was joined by various officials including FAMU National Alumni Association president Col. Greg Clark, vice president of Student Affairs Dr. William Hudson and senior executive director of University Engagement and Alumni Affairs Carmen Cummings.

"Some years ago, I was a part of the logistics and execution for the Rattler Pride tour for former coach Earl Holmes. That was specifically in the state of Florida. There was a lot of excitement during that time," Cummings said.

"We started thinking about what we could do to expand the reach. A lot of our alumni and fans are in the state of Florida. Many of them have the chance to come to campus and bond with coach Simmons. But what about those who live in the north and midwest? That was the concern. There needed to be a great opportunity for him to touch and bond with them as well. People can find out about his initiatives for nutrition, facility upgrades and scholarships."

Washington, D.C.

The tour began with a program at the Florida House in Washington, D.C. This event was hosted by District 5 representative and FAMU grad, Congressman Al Lawson. Additional guests included Brig. Gen. Leroy Bell along with Congressmen David Scott (D-Georgia, 13th District) and Alcee Hastings (D-Florida, 20th District).

"I was proud to host coach Simmons on the D.C. stop of his tour. Coach Simmons is one of the most dynamic, high-energy and experienced coaches in this country," Lawson said.

"He has an outstanding work ethic and track record as an excellent recruiter and offensive genius. In just his first year at FAMU, he has coached us to our first winning season in seven years. I’m confident that with the proper support from the FAMU fan base, he can usher in a new sustained level of success for FAMU football."

FAMU football head coach Willie Simmons (left) throws up the Rattler fangs with Congressman Al Lawson at the Florida House during his trip to Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, June 11, 2019.(Photo: Submitted photo)

Simmons toured the venue and presented Lawson with a football helmet. The headgear was stored in a case with other helmets from Florida's collegiate teams.

During his one-on-one meeting, he spoke candidly about the current state of affairs and his vision for the program.

Lawson comprehends Simmons' drive to upgrade the football program. He pledged his support to the coach to help bring about wholesale changes for the operation.

"You have a politician who understands both sides of the spectrum. He understands the challenges we have," Simmons said.

"He even spoke to the challenges he had to overcome to get the Lawson Center. He eluded that for us to grow as a program and to provide me with the resources to be successful, we have to support. That was the biggest takeaway."

CLOSE

WATCH: Rattlers football head coach Willie Simmons gives Congressman Al Lawson a FAMU football helmet at the Florida House in Washington, D.C.
Submitted video

Chicago

After walking the halls with politicians, Simmons boarded a flight for the Windy City.

He spent two days in Chicago attending a private and public party with Rattlers from the midwest.

The opening night featured an intimate setting with invited guests at the home of FAMU alum and senior vice president at Allstate Insurance Company, Cheryl Harris.

"FAMU can call me at 2 a.m. and I'll make sure to get it done,” Harris said.

“When Carmen reached out about coach Simmons coming to Chicago to raise money, I thought it was a privilege to be involved. I'm so proud of the work he's doing and I'm so aligned with his mission. It's an obligation that I have personally to give back to the university. I have Simmons' back, Dr. Robinson's back and FAMU's back."

An intimate gathering at the home of FAMU alum Cheryl Harris in Chicago on the Willenium Tour. From left to right (back row): Jonathan Jackson, William Hudson, Regina Gardner, Carmen Cummings, Willie Simmons and Courtney Harris. Front row: Col. Greg Clark, Cheryl Harris, Brian Booker and Chevelle Rowe.(Photo: Submitted photo)

The following night, there was a gathering at DrinkHaus Supper Club. This venue featured a homecoming-like vibe on Chicago’s West Loop. Serving as the lead host for the evening was DrinkHaus owner and FAMU grad, Teddy Gilmore.

Simmons mixed and mingled with the Chicagoland fans. They talked about football and what’s in store for the upcoming season.

Football jerseys were the must-have item for the attendees. The hot item generated huge donations at the party.

FAMU football head coach Willie Simmons (left), Joel Johnson and FAMU NAA president Col. Greg Clark enjoyed a great event at DrinkHaus Supper Club in Chicago. Simmons was on hand to raise funds for the football program.(Photo: Submitted photo)

Up Next

Part two of the ‘Willenium Tour’ takes place in July. Scheduled destinations on this venture include Houston and Dallas.

Simmons will continue to engage with alumni to promote and secure funding for the program.